Abstract
China's livestock sector is very dynamic as a consequence of increasing demands for animal products. This paper explores the spatial distribution of different groups of livestock in China. Relations between the spatial pattern of livestock distribution and a large number of socio-economic and biophysical variables have been derived by correlation and regression analysis. The thus derived relations are used in a spatially explicit, dynamic simulation model to explore near-future changes in land use and livestock distribution. A baseline scenario and a scenario with improved management of grasslands are evaluated. The results indicate that for both scenarios most increases in livestock numbers are to be expected in China's agricultural region.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 51-67 |
Journal | Agricultural Systems |
Volume | 62 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1999 |
Keywords
- China
- Geographical information systems
- Grasslands
- Land use change
- Livestock systems